Missions

The recruited researcher will be responsible for the morphological and mechanical characterization of biological samples containing an extracellular matrix, particularly reconstructed tissues in organ-on-chip models. They will implement techniques and methods on a new piece of equipment installed in the BMBI laboratory platform: an atomic force microscope coupled with a fluorescence microscope.

Activités

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to various aspects of the metabolic syndrome-on-chip modeling project, funded by the PEPR MED-OOC program, such as:
• Getting acquainted with the new Nanowizard 4 atomic force microscope,
• Setting up the new AFM platform coupled with epifluorescence in the laboratory for the morphological and mechanical analysis of cells and their extracellular matrix,
• Preparing, handling, and characterizing organ-on-chip systems or other reconstructed tissues,
• Collaborating with other project partners, particularly those responsible for reconstructing the tissues on chip,
• Writing scientific publications and participating in conferences.

Compétences

The postdoctoral researcher must have:
• Experience handling biological samples,
• Expertise in the morphological and mechanical characterization of biological samples using atomic force microscopy.
They must also have:
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment (with biologists, biomechanicians, and physical chemists),
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
Finally, the postdoctoral researcher must be rigorous, able to report effectively (write reports and give scientific presentations), and meet deadlines.

Contexte de travail

The work will take place at the BMBI laboratory (BioMechanics and BioEngineering), a Joint Research Unit between CNRS and the University of Technology of Compiègne. It includes around 70 researchers, faculty members, PhD students, and postdocs, conducting research in the field of Mechanics of Living Systems and Health Engineering.
The lab carries out fundamental studies on the understanding and modeling of living systems at various scales (from the cell to the whole body) and develops solutions or applications for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, support, and even prevention of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or metabolic diseases.
More specifically, BMBI coordinates one of the four Target Priority Projects of PEPR MEDOOC (https://www.pepr-medooc.fr) (2025–2030), focused on the organ-on-chip modeling of metabolic syndrome. This project involves experts in the design and biological characterization of various organ-on-chip systems and benefits from the laboratory's platforms (https://bmbi.utc.fr/recherche/meta-plateformes-bmbi/), as well as external collaborations.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The handling of biological samples will be carried out in accordance with current regulations (Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, use of PPE, etc.).